14 Perfect Connecticut Getaways!
Whether you’re escaping to the Connecticut coastline or cozying up at a quaint inn, the Nutmeg State will provide you that quintessential New England vacation you’re seeking. Between scenic landscapes, historic seaports, and luxurious spas, Connecticut has all the ingredients for the perfect getaway.
Downtown Mystic, Mystic, CT
Downtown Mystic is a beautiful shoreline stop that makes for a wonderful weekend getaway, be it a family-friendly excursion, a weekend of romance, or a foodie hang out. In Mystic, enjoy the historical Mystic Seaport and educational Mystic Aquarium. Shoppers will love the boutiques in downtown Mystic, including Bank Square Books or Mystical Toys, or the collection of shops and restaurants at Olde Mistick Village. For foodies, try the absolutely delicious Engine Room, the local favorite, S&P Oyster, or the relaxing Red36.
Stonington Borough, Stonington, CT
Made famous by the movie “Hope Springs,” Stonington Borough is a quaint village to visit along Connecticut’s shoreline. Base your visit at the highly-rated Inn at Stonington, which has 18 uniquely designed rooms. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch at Noah’s to fuel your strolls and window shop along the quaint Water Street.
Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, CT
One of the premier hotels, shopping centers, and casinos in Connecticut, Foxwoods is a getaway in itself. With its AAA 4 diamond hotels, you’ll feel relaxed and pampered in the center of the busy casino! If the cash you’ve won in the casino is burning a hole in your pocket, head straight to the new Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods, featuring top brands such as Calvin Klein, Nike, Fossil, and more. If you’d like to learn more about Native American history and lifestyle, visit the Pequot Museum.
Litchfield Hills, Litchfield County, CT
While a larger area than the previous towns mentioned, Litchfield Hills is fast becoming a New England holiday favorite for romantic getaways. Stay at the luxurious Mayflower Inn, which is ranked as one of New England’s best hotels. It features 25 rooms and suites as well as two private cottages. With an abundance of tasty restaurants, including Oliva Café, you are sure to have enough to fuel a relaxing getaway. Be sure to visit the town of Litchfield, which is a well-kept example of a Colonial town.
Downtown Essex, Essex, CT
Connecticut is full of quaint towns and Essex is surely one of the cutest due to its historical streets lined with stunning houses. Base your getaway at the Griswold Inn, which has been running since 1776 and is located right in the heart of downtown Essex on Main Street. Also in Essex, enjoy wonderful coffee or tea at Essex Coffee and Tea, eat at the Blue Hound Cookery and Taproom, and shop at one of the several boutiques.
Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
With two luxury hotel towers, Sky Tower and Earth Tower, to stay in you are sure to have an exciting getaway. Mohegan Sun is a premier live events venue that has a packed calendar of concerts, festivals, and sporting events and some of the events are even free. Mohegan Sun also has an impressive number of top restaurants including Bobby’s Burger Palace, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Michael Jordan’s Steak House, and more.
Saybrook Point Inn and Spa
Located in the beautiful seaside town of Old Saybrook, Saybrook Point Inn and Spa is an ideal romantic getaway. The main inn has 82 coastal inspired guest rooms, and there are private guesthouses as well as a lighthouse accommodation that are available for rent. Spa packages are pampering and meant to improve your overall wellness. If you feel as though you’d like a day outside of the pampering at Saybrook Point Inn, just head into downtown Old Saybrook to shop in the numerous boutiques or eat at one of their hometown restaurants. Try a meal at Penny Lane Pub and Restaurant, which has incredible sweet potato fries.
Ethan Allen Hotel, Danbury, CT
Ethan Allen Hotel has a warm ambiance with 193 luxurious rooms and suites designed by the famous Ethan Allen Furniture Company. Ethan Allen Hotel features an award-winning Sunday Brunch at Fairfields Restaurant created from fresh, locally sourced ingredients when possible. An outdoor pool is available to enjoy from May until August.
Camping at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT
For a relaxed summertime getaway to enjoy Connecticut’s coastal environment, spend a weekend at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Hammonasset is Connecticut’s largest shoreline park, featuring over two miles of beach. Camping is allowed in the summer at one of Hammonasset’s 550 grassy campsites.
Tour literary Connecticut
Connecticut was once home to some of the world’s most famous 19th century literary geniuses including Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain. Both former homes of these two authors are currently museums that make for a great, educational day or weekend getaway. To complete your trip, stay in one of Hartford’s fine hotels and enjoy a tasty meal or food tour in the capital.
CT Beer Trail road trip
Enjoy a road trip across Connecticut in search of the best locally brewed beer. Connecticut has more than 10 craft beer destinations and brewery tours across the state. Stop by Stony Creek brewery for a 1.5-hour long tour of the brewing facility and taste beers such as Crum, a seasonal apple beer, Chahklit, a Baltic porter, Little Cranky, a session IPA and more. Other brewery highlights include Thomas Hooker Brewing Company, Two Roads Brewing Company, and Willimantic Brewing Company.
Jones Family Farms, Shelton, CT
Enjoy a food and drink based getaway at the Jones Family Farms and Vineyard. At the Jones Family Farms, you can enjoy a wine tasting of six wines for $10 or a wine pairing class—Sip and Savor Classes—featuring different food and wine pairings for $75 per person. Cooking classes based on the seasonal harvest are also available. Enjoy your getaway in one of Shelton’s top hotels and have a meal at Beardsley’s Cider Mill and Orchard.
Norwalk, CT
Enjoy a weekend in Norwalk with the town’s high-end shopping centers and top eateries. Make your first stop the Knipschildt Chocalatier, which has been noted as one of the world’s top chocolates. The owner is Danish born and trained, so you’ll experience a wonderful European chocolate treat of a gourmet meal, s’mores, chocolate fondue, crepes, and more. Shop in the Norwalk Mall for Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and other high-end retailers. Spend your weekend at the EVEN Hotels, which is a top hotel that focuses on health and wellness.
Cornwall, CT
Cornwall’s claim to fame as a getaway spot is their red covered bridge from 1841, Mohawk Mountain Ski Area, and quaint shops and cafes. Eat a meal at the Wandering Moose Café, from which you can see the aforementioned historic covered bridge. Also enjoy Mohawk State Forest to wander a black spruce bog and wildlife sanctuary.
